Indy NXT - Music City Grand Prix

The Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix brings INDY NXT by Firestone racing to Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tennessee. This developmental series supports the main INDYCAR event and showcases rising open-wheel talent. The race takes place on the historic 1.33-mile concrete oval that previously hosted IndyCar and Indy Lights competitions from 2001 to 2008.

INDY NXT by Firestone at Music City Grand Prix

INDY NXT by Firestone serves as the primary ladder series for drivers advancing to INDYCAR competition. The Music City Grand Prix marks Round 13 of the 40th season of this championship series. The race unfolds on the distinctive concrete surface of Nashville Superspeedway, where drivers compete at high speeds through the 14-degree banked turns.

Race Format and Series Context

The series formerly carried the Indy Lights name before rebranding to INDY NXT by Firestone. Each race provides drivers with critical experience in oval racing, a skill essential for success in INDYCAR. The Nashville Superspeedway round tests drivers on one of the fastest tracks on the calendar.

Nashville Superspeedway Circuit Details

Nashville Superspeedway features a D-shaped oval configuration spanning 1.33 miles. The track surface consists entirely of concrete, making it NASCAR's largest all-concrete venue. The 14-degree banking in the turns allows for multiple racing lines and side-by-side competition.

The circuit layout presents unique challenges for INDY NXT competitors. The concrete surface offers different grip characteristics compared to asphalt ovals. Drivers must manage tire wear while maintaining speed through the banked corners. The straightaways provide opportunities for drafting and overtaking maneuvers.

2026 INDY NXT Driver Field

The INDY NXT series attracts international talent seeking to climb the ladder to INDYCAR. Abel Motorsports fields Max Garcia, Jordan Missig, and Colin Kaminsky, with Myles Rowe competing in partnership with Force Indy. Andretti Global enters Lochie Hughes, Sebastian Murray, Max Taylor, and Josh Pierson.

A. J. Foyt Racing competes with Nicholas Monteiro and Alessandro de Tullio. Cape Motorsports Powered by ECR runs Matteo Nannini and Nikita Johnson. Chip Ganassi Racing fields James Roe, Bryce Aron, Niels Koolen, and Carson Etter. Cusick Morgan Motorsports enters Nicolas Stati.

HMD Motorsports brings Salvador de Alba and Tymek Kucharczyk to the grid. Juncos Hollinger Racing competes with Ricardo Escotto and Alexander Koreiba. This diverse field represents multiple countries and racing backgrounds.

Technical Specifications

All INDY NXT teams utilize the Dallara IL-15 chassis. This spec chassis creates equal competition and emphasizes driver skill and team setup expertise. The cars produce power from an AER-produced, Mazda-sourced 2.0-liter engine that delivers competitive performance on oval circuits.

Firestone supplies all tires for the series, providing teams with specific compounds suited for the concrete surface at Nashville Superspeedway. Teams work to optimize tire strategy and setup to maximize grip and minimize degradation during the race.

History of IndyCar Racing in Lebanon, Tennessee

Nashville Superspeedway hosted IndyCar races from 2001 through 2008, with Indy Lights also competing during this period. Scott Dixon earned three consecutive victories from 2006 to 2008, establishing himself as the most successful IndyCar driver at the track.

The Music City Grand Prix originally launched as a street circuit event in downtown Nashville in 2021. The race relocated to Nashville Superspeedway due to construction of a new NFL stadium in the downtown area. This move returned IndyCar competition to Lebanon, Tennessee, and reunited the series with the oval racing heritage of the venue.

The Gibson Guitar Tradition

Nashville's music heritage connects with motorsports through a distinctive tradition. The race winner receives a hand-made and painted Gibson Les Paul guitar. This custom prize celebrates Nashville's identity as a music capital while honoring the victor's achievement on track.

The INDY NXT Experience at Music City Grand Prix

INDY NXT racing at Nashville Superspeedway offers close competition on a historic oval. The concrete surface and banking create multiple racing lines and opportunities for passes. Fans can watch future INDYCAR stars develop their craft on a challenging circuit.

General admission seating expands through rows 1-19 of the grandstands, providing accessible viewing options. All ticket holders receive full access to the Fan Zone, where they can explore displays and activities. Campers receive invitations to an exclusive celebration featuring driver appearances.

The Music City Grand Prix weekend at Nashville Superspeedway combines INDY NXT competition with the main INDYCAR event. This pairing allows fans to follow drivers throughout their career progression. The Lebanon, Tennessee, location offers a classic oval racing environment where the next generation of open-wheel stars compete for victory.